The Bagpipe - American Highland Cattle Association

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Bowed Legs, Base Narrow, etc. It should be obvious from the previous sections that the following defects are often inter-related. 1.On the hind limb; bowed hocks, base narrow stance and rolled or corkscrew outside claws. 2.On the front limb; bowed legs, base narrow stance, pigeon-toed and “rolling” at the walk; such animals may also open up at the elbows. The Head Different breeds have different head characteristics that are primarily aesthetic and not necessarily related to function. However, certain defects of the eyes and the jaw can be related to function. The Eyes Pigmentation of the eyelid and the skin around the eye is a desirable trait because research has indicated that cattle with no pigmentation are more predisposed to cancer eye. Pigmentation is a moderately heritable trait (0.3 to 0.4) and will respond to selection. In regions where there is a great deal of sunlight and a high incidence of cancer eye, there is a functional advantage for animals who exhibit a strong orbital ridge or eyebrow (“hooded eye”), protecting the eye against ultraviolet rays. Cattle with extremely open eyes (“pop eyes”) are more susceptible to eye problems than those with a hooded eye. The Jaw It is considered important for cattle that must forage in extensive range country to have a strong, deep jaw. Weakjawed cattle are generally discriminated against. Perhaps more importantly, the upper and lower jaws should be of equal length so that the incisor teeth in the lower jaw squarely meet the dental pad in the upper jaw. If not, foraging ability may be reduced. The most common defect of this type is “parrot mouth”, whereby the upper jaw is longer (over-shot) than the lower jaw. The Sheath and Prepuce An extremely heavy, funnel-shaped sheath and prepuce is a detriment to bulls that have a lot of ground to cover in rough country. Obviously, this is more likely to be a problem for those breeds with Brahman influence. Seedstock producers in these breeds are placing strong selection pressure against sheath problems. The Mammary System The two most common problems observed in the mammary system of beef cows are: (1) over-sized and/or balloon teats; and (2) weak, pendulous udders. Numerous research studies have indicated that these traits are low to moderately heritable (0.2 to 0.3). Therefore, over time, they will respond to selection. The American Polled Hereford Association (Gibb, 1984) has adopted the udder scoring system based on teat size and udder suspension. AHCA has also adopted these guidelines. Too Much Angulation Correct Angulation Not Enough Angulation - Stilted Degrees of Angulation of Joints in the Bovine Skeleton 11
12 GENETICS AND SELECTION Teat Size 9 7 5 3 1 Suspension Fertility Indicators Bulls The importance of scrotal circumference as an indicator of fertility is very well documented by research. At 1 year of age for most breeds of bulls, the bare minimum acceptable scrotal circumference is 30 centimeters (preferable 32-34 cm). For Brahman bulls, the minimum may be 28 cm. at 1 year. Even though it is a purely subjective decision, cattlemen generally agree that feminine-appearing bulls should be discriminated against. Females Obviously, calving records are the best indication of fertility in the producing cow. In virgin heifers, it is generally agreed that coarse, masculine females should be discriminated against, although there is little or no research data to support this approach. Like many traits, there is quite likely a reasonably wide range of acceptability. Extremely small external genitalia (vulva) should be strongly discriminated against. Summary It should be obvious by now that there are numerous structural traits which can have varying degrees of influence on how beef cattle function. The amount of emphasis to be placed on them depends largely upon the environment (feed and other resources), the mating system and the marketplace. Very Small Small Intermediate Large Very Large Very Tight Tight Intermediate Pendulous Very Pendulous Scoring System for Teat Size and Udder Suspension
Page 2 and 3: TABLE OF CONTENTS BREED CHARACTERIS
Page 4 and 5: Hardiness was also affected followi
Page 6 and 7: BOVINE SKELETON VERTEBRAL COLUMN 1.
Page 8 and 9: SHALLOW HEEL FORE HEEL HIND HEEL a
Page 10 and 11: Knock-Kneed This is a common defect
Page 14 and 15: GENETICS 101 Scott Barao, Ph.D. Ove
Page 16 and 17: Heritability - Heritability is the
Page 18 and 19: thus can recover nutrients efficien
Page 20 and 21: Monitoring the Animals Producers ca
Page 22 and 23: The following table (taken from the
Page 24 and 25: WINTER FEEDING William Lipsey Weane
Page 26 and 27: Glossary Dry Matter: The actual dry
Page 28 and 29: REPRODUCTION CALVING TIME Making su
Page 30 and 31: the shoulders and chest through the
Page 32 and 33: Feeding Colostrum Colostrum in the
Page 34 and 35: ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION VS. NATURAL
Page 36 and 37: MANAGEMENT BASICS FOR HIGHLAND OWNE
Page 38 and 39: 4. Buy livestock from known sources
Page 40 and 41: The next step is to undertake the p
Page 42 and 43: A MINIMUM HERD HEALTH PROGRAM FOR A
Page 44 and 45: 2. Have your veterinarian palpate c
Page 46 and 47: ZEALAND FARM: The calves are weaned
Page 48 and 49: TREATMENT OF CALF SCOURS Pat White,
Page 50 and 51: It is a common mistake to give the
Page 52 and 53: species. Another vaccine is given o
Page 54 and 55: CONTROL AND RESTRAINT Ted Millen, D
Page 56 and 57: mean no interference. All cattle ow
Page 58 and 59: going to go with a wood floor, I su
Page 60 and 61: MARKETING AND PROMOTION FARM DIRECT
Page 62 and 63:
4. Contact the local health authori
Page 64 and 65:
6. Final Checklist Farm Direct Mark
Page 66:
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The Bagpipe - American Highland Cattle Association

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